The premier institute for professional chef training in America has only two campuses: one in upstate New York and one right here in the Napa Valley [1]. The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone (2555 Main St., St. Helena, 707/967-1010, http://ciachef.edu [2], Sun.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.) has it all: a restaurant, a café, a gourmet shop, one-day cooking classes and demos, a food history museum, and a stunning set of campus buildings set into the forests and vineyards near the town of St. Helena right on Highway 29.
If Napa is the perfect place to introduce newcomers to the world of high-end food and wine, Greystone takes it to the intermediate and advanced levels. No matter who you are, you’ll love the De Baun Café and the Spice Islands Marketplace, and you’ll want to make a reservation in the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant.
But if you’re a for-real foodie or cork dork, consider signing up in advance to attend a cooking demo or even a seminar at this haven for haute cuisine. And be sure to take a few minutes to wander the charming grounds and marvel at the imposing structures of the campus—made from (of course) gray stonework.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/wine-country/napa-valley
[2] http://ciachef.edu